The experiment of using Kookaburra cricket balls in some rounds of the County Championship has been scrapped.
Kookaburras have been used in some rounds for each of the past three seasons, but the move was largely unpopular due to the trend of bat dominating ball.
And the decision was confirmed by a meeting of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s professional game committee (PGC) earlier this week.
It means all 14 rounds of the 2026 County Championship season will be played with balls manufactured by Dukes.
Dukes are the traditional supplier of cricket balls for first-class cricket played in England. Dukes balls are hand-stitched and, in general, offer more assistance to bowlers.
Kookaburra balls are machine made and are mainly used in countries like Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
The Kookaburra ball was introduced into the County Championship with the idea of preparing English players for overseas conditions. The theory was that it would encourage bowlers of higher pace and lead to spin having an enhanced role.
It was used for two rounds of matches in 2023, and expanded to four rounds for 2024 and 2025.
Two rounds of Kookaburra matches earlier this summer, played in June, resulted in a lot of dull cricket. The average first-innings total across the Championship was 430, 59 individual scores of 100 or more were made and Surrey racked up 820-9 declared against Durham at The Oval.
The ECB’s high performance arm – those involved in the England teams rather than the county game – still stands by the decision to use the Kookaburra, however, which points to the conflicts within the game.
Speaking last month before the decision was confirmed, ECB men’s performance director Ed Barney said: “We valued the Kookaburra ball. Has it achieved what we intended to? Yes, 100%.
“To be most effective with the Kookaburra ball you have to bowl at a higher speed. Has it drawn more spin bowling into the domestic game? Yes it has.”
Statistics from the past three County Championship seasons shows the optimal bowling speeds with the Kookaburra were around 85mph, but 75-79mph with the Dukes.
Forty per cent of deliveries were bowled by spinners during Kookaburra rounds but only 25% when using the Dukes.
“Ultimately the domestic game has a decision to make of whether it wants its core purpose to be about producing and developing players for international cricket or whether its core purpose is about a product that is competitive and appealing to the domestic context,” added Barney.
“That is the choice the domestic game and ECB has to make, and it is quite difficult for it to co-exist together.”
The move to return to the Dukes for the entire Championship season comes after counties rejected proposals to restructure the competition.
A new set-up of 12 teams in the top flight and six in the bottom tier, with each side playing 13 matches, was turned down in favour of the current system.
The Championship will remain with 10 teams in Division One, eight in Division Two, all playing 14 matches.
JULIA Fox has defended her blood-stained Jackie Kennedy Halloween costume following backlash.
She recreated what former First Lady Jackie wore as husband President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.
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Julia Fox defended her controversial Halloween costumeCredit: GettyShe recreated what Jackie Kennedy as JFK was assassinatedCredit: GettyJohn F Kennedy was assassinated in November 1963Credit: Getty – Contributor
Left unimpressed, fans branded the actress’ outfit choice as “disrespectful” and “tasteless”.
Meanwhile, JFK and Jackie’s grandson Jack Schlossberg, also criticised her choice.
Taking to Instagram, Julia, 35, explained: “I’m dressed as Jackie Kennedy in the pink suit.
Karen Hauer has hit back at the judges after her Argentine tango split the panel on last week’s heat of Strictly Come Dancing where she set an Argentine tango to an Usher track
Karen Hauer has hit back at the judges after her Argentine tango split the panel on last week’s Strictly (Image: BBC)
Karen Hauer has hit back at the judges after her Argentine tango split the panel on last week’s Strictly Come Dancing. The professional dancer, 43, crafted a routine set to Usher track Caught Up and it received a mixed reaction from Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.
During an appearance with celebrity partner Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who is known for starring on BBC’s Gladiators, on Friday’s Halloween edition of It Takes Two, Karen was asked if she will be avoiding the dance from now on. She joked: “”Probably! That’s fine.”
She added: “No, do you know what? I absolutely loved that and it’s just a shame sometimes. If you want me to do an Argentine classical, then give me the music and I’ll do it. I got the assignment!”
“That was the assignment! Literally. I was just a bit like…we had a really beautiful balance. The judges have a really hard job to do, I just wish they liked it!”
During the live show, Craig claimed that the couple, who eventually received a combined score of 30 for their efforts. seemed to simply be ‘walking’ the routine. He said: “I felt like you were walking through it, standing, placing, standing, placing and not actually dancing step to step.
“And I wasn’t entirely fond of throwing all the groove stuff in there.”
But Harry was not afraid to hit back at the comments as they happened. He said: “I was given a task to do an Argentine tango to Usher. I took it on, I done it to the best of my ability and that’s all I can do.” The dance was all done as part of Icons week, and big music names like Dolly Parton, Spice Girls and Johnny Cash were also honoured, amongst a whole host of others.
Fans at home rushed to social media to defend Harry and Karen amid the negative feedback. One said: “Why have an Icons week, make the celebs dance to music that’s not really suited to the dance then criticise them for bringing a bit of the icon’s style into the dance? Bal and Harry especially.”
Another said: “what are they even talking about obviously an argentine tango to USHER is gna be a little different #Strictly” and a third added: “I dont get the “whyd you add groove/ bump n grind” comments… you gave the guy Usher to mimic?? with an argentine tango?? so like what was he supposed to do.”
Harry has already had a taste of Strictly before making his debut as a contestant on this year’s series. He appeared on last year’s Christmas special where he was partnered with professional dancer Nancy Xu.
The sports star bagged one of the highest scores in the episode but lost to RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Tayce, who had danced with Kai Widdrington.
Announcing his return for the new series, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey said: “After the Christmas Special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice! I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly family this series and I’m ready to give it all I’ve got.
“I’ll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let’s hope I’m as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.”
The English Riviera is a 22-mile stretch of the South Devon coast with Torquay at its northern end. It’s sometimes compared to the French Riviera, but it’s a very different place
Milo Boyd Digital Travel Reporter and Chloe Dobinson
15:41, 14 Oct 2025
A survey declared Torquay as Brits’ most disliked seaside destination last year(Image: Getty)
Stand on the promenade of this legendary seaside resort when the weather’s pleasant, and you could easily mistake yourself for being somewhere on the Mediterranean rather than in Britain. Lines of palm trees flutter in the wind, waves gently wash onto an expansive sandy shore and gleaming art-deco structures perch on the hillside overhead.
Take a closer look, though, and there are telltale signs you’re actually on the English coast rather than somewhere along the French Riviera. Reach reporter Milo Boyd is pretty sure traditional fish and chip outlets, seaside souvenir shops and penny arcade machines aren’t common sights along the Côte d’Azur.
And whilst a typical July afternoon in this Devon resort of 50,000 residents reaches around 20C with some cloud cover, the French Riviera basks in 29C temperatures with glorious sunshine and clear blue skies.
Parallels drawn between the Devon shoreline and the glamorous French destination date back to Victorian times, when tourists likened the mild microclimate and stunning landscape of Torbay – a 22-mile section of the South Devon coast with Torquay at its northern tip – to the 186 miles of the original Riviera.
Whilst the French Riviera sometimes faces criticism for being overly warm, rather posh, and costly, Torquay regularly receives brutal assessments of an entirely different nature.
Actually, it appears to attract an unfair share of criticism, reports Devon Live.
Last year, a Which? survey declared Torquay as Brits’ most disliked seaside destination, whilst The Telegraph ranked it as their 13th most disappointing coastal location.
Even one of Milo’s taxi drivers couldn’t resist having a dig, branding the high street as a “dump”. The decision-making process of these competition judges is a mystery to him, and their lack of taste in coastal spots is evident.
After a weekend getaway in Torbay, Milo was captivated and intrigued by Torquay, a seaside town unlike any other he has encountered in the UK.
Food and drink in Torquay
One of the town’s most appealing and tasty features is its food. Sure, you can find the traditional cod and chips every 10m along the seafront as you would in most UK seaside towns, but Torquay has much more to offer.
Milo had the good fortune to get a quick tour of the town’s food scene through an invitation to the 7 Chefs event on 4 October. Over seven hours, guests are treated to seven different seafood dishes, each crafted by a different chef and served in a different independent restaurant.
This annual event is highly sought after, making stops at the Michelin-starred Elephant for some braised octopus, the sibling-run Ollie’s for a generous lobster thermidor, delicately prepared oysters at No. 7 Fish Bistro and Offshore for its unique take on mussels with katsu.
If you fancy indulging in top-quality seafood and British-produced wines, then this event is perfect for you.
It might only happen once annually and set you back £120, but you’ll require a solid 364 days to recover after tackling diver-caught scallops at The Yacht, a generous helping of fish and chips at Pier Point, and cheese with far too much port at Twenty1 Lounge.
“Lightweight,” one of my fellow foodie companions shouted after me as he ordered another couple of reds for good measure, whilst Milo hauled his aching frame into a taxi.
The event also runs in Brixham on the opposite side of the bay.
The vibrant, boutique village houses one of England’s largest fishing markets and restaurants, including Olive, The Prince William, and The Mermaid, where many of the 40 fish and shellfish varieties landed here are consumed.
‘The Queen of the English Riviera’
Torquay is often dubbed ‘the Queen of the English Riviera’, and rightfully so.
On a bright day, the magnificent art deco properties crown the hillside overlooking the bay, sparkling in the sunlight like gems in a tiara.
Torbay lies just beyond the western tip of the Jurassic Coast and comprises Devonian limestones intersected with red ochre deposits.
These form a intricate landscape featuring elements like the wave-carved Berry Head platform and natural caves. On a Sunday afternoon, Milo was given a tour by Nigel Smallbones, the ranger at Berry Head Nature Reserve for 27 years.
He showed Milo the roosting spot of a 1,600-strong guillemot colony, the cave system where his son monitors the 56 resident horseshoe bats, and explained how rock enthusiasts travel from as far as China to appreciate the geology.
A short half-hour drive around the bay led me to Kents Cavern – a prehistoric cave system unearthed by some tough Victorians. It’s an awe-inspiring place that continues to yield significant scientific discoveries, including the jawbone of a Neolithic girl likely devoured by cave hyenas, and a colossal bear skull.
If exploring a cavern filled with stalagmites and stalactites isn’t your cup of tea, just up the road lies a piece of British comedy history – the hotel that inspired John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers. Perhaps due to its somewhat infamous association, the hotel has since been replaced by a block of flats and a commemorative blue plaque.
One stark difference between the Rivieras is their approach to drinking. Milo was genuinely taken aback and impressed by the amount his fellow restaurant-goers consumed, and how some managed to stomach a full English breakfast on a sunrise boat trip the next morning.
Such passion and resilience would be hard to find on the French Riviera.
Locals he spoke with admitted that Torquay’s nightlife isn’t what it used to be, with several mourning the loss of two clubs that once offered unlimited drinks for under a tenner.
Nevertheless, the party atmosphere endures through the 1,200-capacity Arena Torquay, which is hosting an Ibiza throwback evening next week, alongside a string of bars along the quayside.
With roaming packs of stag and hen parties, some donning lederhosen in honour of Oktoberfest, Torquay remains regarded as a cracking spot for a night out.
Devon’s temperate climate and breezy conditions mean its flourishing vineyard industry creates light, refreshing wines that complement seafood perfectly – a fortunate match.
Torquay also boasts several gin distilleries.
Laurance Traverso, director of the Coastal Distillery Co, served me a delightful G&T from his waterside headquarters.
So what’s behind the animosity?
There’s undoubtedly a segment of the British public that simply doesn’t rate Torquay.
If you rock up for a family break and have the bad luck of being drenched for seven days straight, Milo can see their point.
Some townsfolk have grown fed up with the high street and how districts beyond the seafront and tourist hotspots have deteriorated.
Local Sophie Ellis-Marsden revealed: “I avoid that end of town. I don’t have much nice to say, to be honest. The waterfront is lovely, and that’s the only thing that is.
“It’s nice, don’t get me wrong, I moved here from Milton Keynes for the sea, but it needs more work. More shops just seem to be shutting down. Everything’s gone, and I don’t really know why.”
The local authority appears determined to tackle these problems head-on.
Significant investment has already been made, with much more planned for the future.
The Strand at the harbourside has been transformed into a piazza-style promenade, featuring expanded pedestrian zones for dining and seating, plus improved public transport connections.
A former Debenhams department store is earmarked for demolition, to be replaced with new homes, cafés, restaurants, and an upmarket hotel.
Additional proposals are in the works for the town centre, along with further development at The Strand, which the council estimated would create approximately 80 full-time jobs, £32 million in wages, and attract 86,000 new visitors over a 30-year period.
The total cost of the scheme is reported to be £70 million.
The friendliest cities in Europe have been named and the list includes bustling metropolises to charming harbourside spots, where visitors are made to feel at home
10 friendliest cities in Europe named—but expats say one is controversial(Image: enzodebernardo via Getty Images)
In a continent teeming with vibrant cities, some stand out for their exceptional hospitality. The annual Readers’ Choice Awards by Condé Nast Traveller, one of the travel industry’s most esteemed surveys, reveals which destinations make visitors feel most at home.
This year’s ranking, voted on by thousands of readers, showcases the cities that are not only beautiful but also boast the friendliest locals. Contrary to popular belief, large, bustling cities aren’t necessarily less friendly.
London, often seen as a cold and impersonal global metropolis, was ranked the second friendliest city in the UK in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2024 awards, scoring an impressive 93 out of 100, just behind Glasgow. This year, no UK cities made it into the top 10, but two from the tourist-favourite country of Portugal did.
Top 10 friendliest cities in Europe
10. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s historic beauty is matched by its growing reputation for friendliness, especially among its younger, English-speaking population. However, not all rankings agree that the Czechs are welcoming.
According to the 2023 Ease of Settling In index from expat-focused social enterprise InterNations, Czechia ranks 50th (out of 53 countries) in a global ranking of locals’ friendliness.
9. Madrid, Spain
Madrid’s warmth is frequently characterised as metropolitan and energetic. The locals, referred to as Madrileños, are “welcoming and open”, according to Expatra.
While the metropolis is vast and fast-paced, its dynamic culture and relaxed work-life balance serve as significant attractions for both residents and visitors. The city’s dwellers are also recognised for being particularly amiable in social environments, such as pubs and cafés, enabling tourists to easily integrate into the local atmosphere and feel comfortable.
8. Porto, Portugal
Porto’s amicable environment forms a crucial element of its charm, with travellers frequently remarking on the authentic warmth of its residents. The metropolis possesses a robust community spirit and “openly welcomes anybody into the city”, says Global Citizen Solutions.
The unhurried lifestyle and communal dining traditions enable visitors to easily bond with inhabitants, with many applauding the inviting atmosphere and the cordiality of the locals.
7. Oslo, Norway
Oslo’s amiable standing is more understated yet equally authentic. Whilst Norwegians might appear reserved and “mainly keep to themselves”, some Reddit users suggest that they are “in general friendly if approached”.
The capital is also commended for its diversity and forward-thinking principles, alongside a strong culture of courtesy and consideration. Tourists often remark that they feel secure and assured that residents will assist them if they become lost or need guidance.
6. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen’s high ranking is a testament to its commitment to liveability and a culture of “hygge,” which roughly translates to cosiness or well-being. The city’s residents are known for their punctuality, and while they may not be overly spontaneous, they are described as friendly and always ready to lend a hand.
The city’s safe and relaxed atmosphere, coupled with a strong sense of community, makes it easy for visitors to navigate and feel a genuine sense of belonging.
5. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon’s friendliness is often attributed to the pleasant and open nature of its people, who are described as “some of the kindest people” travellers have ever met, according to Reddit users. The city is also considered very safe, which contributes to a comfortable and welcoming environment for all types of travellers.
Many visitors find that locals are very helpful, especially if you attempt to speak a little Portuguese.
4. Reykjavik, Iceland
Holidaymakers regularly praise the authentic warmth of Reykjavik’s residents, who are frequently characterised as relaxed and eager to express their love for their country. As Iceland Review notes, “Icelanders are friendly and welcoming people,” with most being “happy to offer advice, a helping hand, and share the passion they hold for their homeland with international visitors.”
This hospitable character is equally evident in the city’s security and the straightforward manner in which tourists can engage with residents, many of whom willingly act as personal guides, revealing a more genuine aspect of the city to visitors.
3. San Sebastián, Spain
San Sebastián’s reputation for warmth is closely linked to its relaxed seaside culture and its exceptional gastronomic offerings. The Spanish destination boasts “fascinating Basque people and their rich culture,” as noted by ‘With Locals’.
Visitors often describe these residents as knowledgeable, engaging, and approachable in conversation. The community’s hospitality shines particularly in the convivial environment of the pintxos establishments, where tourists can effortlessly integrate into the regional dining culture and become part of the lively neighbourhood.
2. Florence, Italy
The warmth of Florence comes from locals’ deep pride in their incredible heritage, which they’re delighted to share with tourists.
Whilst some Reddit users describe Florence as nothing more than a “glorified tourist spot,” others have experienced the “complete opposite experience,” remarking that “the locals were incredibly friendly” and calling it their top Italian destination.
The genuine nature of the local culture helps visitors feel welcome whilst they discover the city’s breathtaking art and history.
The city also receives praise for being highly walkable, with a laid-back atmosphere that welcomes tourists warmly.
1. Vienna, Austria
Vienna’s position as Europe’s most welcoming city reflects its perfect combination of cultural sophistication and local appeal.
The Austrian capital is renowned for its security, excellent public transportation system, and numerous green areas, all of which create a hospitable and relaxed atmosphere for tourists.
Although some visitors have observed that Viennese residents can be quite direct, they’re also characterised as possessing a “robust charm,” and are recognised for being approachable when engaged.
The city’s spotless streets and well-maintained public areas make navigation effortless, while locals’ passion for their city’s past and culture creates an environment of genuine warmth.
Big Brother saw their second live eviction and fourth housemate to leave the house tonight after the show made headlines for George Gilbert’s ejection for offensive language
22:13, 10 Oct 2025Updated 22:50, 10 Oct 2025
Tonight, AJ Odudu and Will Best spoke to the house live for the second time this series as Cameron B was evicted from the Big Brother house.
Last Friday, Gani became the second contestant to be evicted from the house, but unfortunately for him, he didn’t get the showcase he deserved due to Storm Amy.
In a chaotic last minute change, Will came to meet the star at the bottom of the stairs, as he took him to the studio through the back doors due to the gale-force winds.
He wasn’t the first to be evicted however, as in a shock 25th anniversary twist, Emily was booted out the house on the first night, as herself, Sam and Caroline had to decided between themselves who should leave.
Tonight, the weather was much calmer, as Cameron became the first housemate to leave through the front door.
Cameron B, Elsa, Richard and George faced eviction, but again things were thrown into chaos when George was removed for repeated use of offensive language and behaviour.
Despite George’s removal from the house, the eviction still went ahead, although the votes closed for a while, and refreshed. Prior votes did not count, and viewers were given five more votes.
Tonight, AJ and Will revealed thatCameron B was the third housemate to be evicted – and fourth to leave.
As Cameron joined the Late and Live, we got a glimpse of the house’s reaction, with Elsa elated she was safe. In a shock admission, she told Teja and Feyisola she was going to tell Marcus she loved him if she stayed.
The second live eviction came after a controversial week in the house. As well as George’s removal, housemate Caroline also received a warning from Big Brother after comments made towards Zelah and Nancy.
Zelah has been open about his transition with the housemates, but during a game of spin the bottle Caroline asked Nancy which housemate she would sleep with if they were trapped on a desert island and she “might be able to make babies to get a new civilisation.”
Nancy then asked Caroline if it had to be a guy, as Jenny said she was pansexual. “Is she pansexual? Do you like pans?” Caroline asked, as Zelah told her to just ask Nancy who she was most attracted to.
Nancy then answered Zelah, as Caroline responded: “She’s a girl. No you’re not!” she then added: “But you haven’t got a willy. Is that really bad? But I was talking about…I’m so sorry Z. Is that bad? That was bad wasn’t it? Oh no, I’m dead now. Is that bad?’”
Zelah was left in tears in the Diary Room, telling Big Brother: “I didn’t think it would affect me that much. That’s why I didn’t want to tell anyone from the get go, because once people know their true perceptions come out. But ‘she’s a girl’ was strong.”
Caroline profusely apologised, telling Big Brother she was “ashamed” of her comments and said she had no excuses for her behaviour.
Torquay, which sits at the northern end of Torbay in Devon, is a town that attracts as much hate as it does love so one reporter went to find out why
Milo Boyd is a Digital Travel reporter who covers aviation news, the environment, the cruise industry and much else including travel tips, bargain holiday suggestions and inspirational global trips.
Stand on the boardwalk of Torquay when the sun is shining, and it’s easy to forget you’re in the UK and not on the Med.
Rows of palm trees sway in the breeze, the sea laps onto a long sandy beach and white art-deco buildings sit on the hill above. Look a bit harder, however, and there are signs you’re in the English rather than the French Riviera.
I’ve not visited Saint-Tropez before, but I’m fairly confident fish and chip shops, bucket and spade emporiums and 2p arcades aren’t major fixtures on the Côte d’Azur. The average July day in the Devon town of 50,000 is 20C and a bit cloudy, while the French Riviera enjoys 29C days of sunshine and blue skies.
Comparisons between the Devonshire coastline and the glitzy French region originated in the Victorian era, when visitors compared the warm microclimate and beautiful scenery of Torbay, a 22-mile stretch of the South Devon coast with Torquay at its northern end, to the 186 miles of the original Riviera.
While the French Riviera is sometimes criticised for being too hot, a bit snobby, and expensive, Torquay occasionally comes in for harsh words of a different variety. In fact, it seems to get a disproportionate amount of heat. Last year, a Which? survey named Torquay as Brits’ least favourite seaside town, while The Telegraph named it as its 13th worst coastal spot. Even one of my cabbies stuck a boot in, condemning the high street as a “dump”.
How the judges of those competitions came to their conclusion is something of a mystery to me, and their poor taste in coastal spots is obvious. After a weekend break in Torbay, I came away enchanted and intrigued by Torquay — a seaside town that is unlike any other I’ve come across in the UK.
One of the town’s strongest and most delicious qualities is its food. Of course, you can get a classic cod and chips every 10m along the seafront as you can in most UK seaside towns, but Torquay also offers a lot more.
I was lucky enough to get a whistle-stop tour of the town’s culinary scene through an invitation to the 7 Chefs event on October 4. Over the course of seven hours, guests experience seven different seafood dishes, each created by a different chef and served in a different independent restaurant.
The annual event is a hot ticket, stopping off as it does at the Michelin-starred Elephant for a spot of braised octopus, brother-and-sister-run Ollie’s for a very generous lobster thermidor, delicately prepared oysters at No.7 Fish Bistro and Offshore to try its katsu take on mussels.
If you love gorging yourself on the highest-grade seafood and British-produced wines going, then this is the event for you. It may take place just once a year and cost £120, but you’ll need a good 364 days’ break to digest once you’ve taken on diver-caught scallops at The Yacht, a not-so-mini portion of fish and chips at Pier Point, and cheese and too much port at Twenty1 Lounge.
“Lightweight,” one of my new gourmet pals called after me as he got another couple of reds in for good measure, while I heaved my creaking body into a taxi.
The event is also run in Brixham on the other side of the bay. The multi-coloured, boutique village is home to one of England’s biggest fishing markets and eateries, including Olive, The Prince William, and The Mermaid, where many of the 40 fish and shellfish species landed here are eaten.
Torquay is sometimes called ‘the Queen of the English Riviera’, and for good reason. On a sunny day, the grand art deco houses crest the hill overlooking the bay, twinkling in the sunshine like jewels in a crown.
Torbay sits just past the western end of the Jurassic Coast and is made up of Devonian limestones cut through with red ochre deposits. These create a complex landscape with features like the wave-cut Berry Head platform and natural caverns.
On Sunday afternoon, Nigel Smallbones, the ranger at Berry Head Nature Reserve for a 27 year stint, showed me around, pointing out where the 1,600-guillemot-strong colony roosts, the cave system where his son monitors the 56 resident horseshoe bats, and how rock fans come from as far away as China to enjoy the geology.
Half an hour’s drive round the bay found me down within the rock formations at Kents Cavern — a prehistoric cave system excavated by some hard-as-nails Victorians. It’s a dramatic place that keeps delivering major scientific discoveries, including the jawbone of a Neolithic girl probably eaten by cave hyenas, and a massive bear skull.
If a tour of the stalagmite-and-tite-filled cavern isn’t your thing, then just up the road is a piece of British comedy history — the hotel where John Cleese had the inspiration for Fawlty Towers. Perhaps because of the slightly damning association, the hotel is long gone, replaced by a block of flats and a blue plaque.
Another fundamental difference between the Rivieras is their attitude to boozing. I was genuinely shocked and impressed by how much my fellow restaurant crawlers put away, and how some of them had steady enough stomachs for a fry-up on a sunrise boat trip the following morning.
You’d struggle to find people of such passion and stern stuff on the French Riviera.
Locals I chatted to conceded that the nightlife in Torquay isn’t what it once was, a number lamenting how two clubs that offered all-you-can-drink for less than a tenner are now long gone. However, the party spirit lives on in the form of the 1,200-capacity Arena Torquay, which hosts an Ibiza throwback night next week, and a row of bars down on the quayside.
Given the marauding groups of stag and hen dos, some dressed in lederhosen in respect of Oktoberfest, Torquay is still considered a good place to party.
Devon’s mild climate and wind mean its growing vineyard scene produces light, crisp wines that pair well with fish—a happy coincidence. Torquay also has a number of gin distilleries. Laurance Traverso, director of the Coastal Distillery Co, poured me a delicious G&T from his base down by the water.
So why the hate?
There is, undeniably, a section of the British public that doesn’t like Torquay. If you arrive on a family holiday and have the misfortune of getting rained on for a week, I can understand it.
Some residents of the town have grown frustrated with the high street and how areas away from the seaside and the gaze of tourists have become run-down. Local Sophie Ellis-Marsden explained: “I avoid that end of town. I don’t have much nice to say, to be honest. The waterfront is lovely, and that’s the only thing that is.
“It’s nice, don’t get me wrong, I moved here from Milton Keynes for the sea, but it needs more work. More shops just seem to be shutting down. Everything’s gone, and I don’t really know why.”
The council seems committed to sorting out these issues. There has been some serious investment, with plenty more in the pipeline. The Strand at the harbourside has been turned into a piazza-style promenade, with wider pedestrian areas for dining and seating, and better public transport links.
A former Debenhams department store is set to be demolished, replaced with new homes, cafés, restaurants, and an upmarket hotel. There are plans in the town centre too, and further development at The Strand, which the council predicted would provide about 80 full-time jobs, £32 million in wages, and bring 86,000 new visitors over a 30-year period. The entire cost of the scheme is reported to be £70 million.
How to visit
The official English Riviera site has plenty of suggestions on where to stay and what to do.
The train from London takes three hours from Paddington to Torquay.
